Learn
VA Rating for Sleep Apnea: How It Works
By the VetClaimsGuide Editorial Team · Educational guide · Updated June 2026
Sleep apnea is one of the most valuable and most misunderstood VA claims, largely because of one rule: a CPAP usually means 50 percent. Here is how VA rates it, what evidence you need, and how to claim it as secondary to PTSD.
Before you file, appeal, or request an increase: use the free
Claim Readiness Checker to identify possible evidence gaps. It is an educational starting point, not claim filing or representation.
How VA rates sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is rated under Diagnostic Code 6847 at four levels:
- 0 percent: diagnosed by a sleep study but without symptoms requiring treatment.
- 30 percent: persistent daytime sleepiness (hypersomnolence).
- 50 percent: requires a CPAP or other breathing assistance device. This is the most common rating.
- 100 percent: chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention, cor pulmonale, or requiring a tracheostomy.
The big jump most veterans care about is the CPAP equals 50 percent rule. If a doctor has prescribed a CPAP to treat your diagnosed sleep apnea, that corresponds to the 50 percent level.
Who this helps
Veterans who snore heavily, stop breathing in their sleep, or wake up exhausted, and especially those already service-connected for PTSD or another condition that can contribute to sleep apnea. Anyone who has a CPAP but has not yet filed.
The evidence VA looks for
Two pieces carry a sleep apnea claim:
- A sleep study (polysomnography) confirming the diagnosis. This is essentially required; VA rarely grants sleep apnea without a confirmed diagnosis.
- A service connection, either directly (symptoms began in service) or as a secondary condition, supported by a medical opinion.
If you have a CPAP, the prescription and compliance record are the evidence that supports the 50 percent level. Gauge the rating with the free VA Rating Estimator (sleep apnea is built in).
Claiming sleep apnea secondary to PTSD
Sleep apnea is one of the most common secondary claims, frequently linked to PTSD, weight gain from a service-connected condition, or chronic sinus and nasal conditions. For a secondary claim, VA generally looks for a current sleep apnea diagnosis and a medical opinion from your provider explaining whether your service-connected condition caused or aggravated it. Explore the link with the Secondary Conditions Mapper, then bring your doctor an educational Nexus Letter Template.
Get organized: use the free
Evidence Builder to organize records, statements, and questions to discuss with an accredited representative or provider. You can email yourself your results so you can come back later and keep preparing.
Common mistakes and misunderstandings
- Filing without a sleep study. No confirmed diagnosis usually means no grant. Get the study first.
- Not documenting the CPAP. If you use one, make sure the prescription is in your evidence; it supports 50 percent.
- Skipping the nexus on a secondary claim. The link to PTSD or another condition has to be stated by a medical professional.
- Assuming it is automatic. Sleep apnea is winnable but evidence-driven, like any claim.
Use these tools as an educational starting point before speaking with a VSO, accredited representative, attorney, or medical provider. VetClaimsGuide helps you organize your information, understand possible evidence gaps, and prepare better questions. It does not file claims, represent veterans, or guarantee outcomes.
Organize it in one place: Premium members use the
Secondary Conditions Blueprint to organize possible secondaries, the educational rating impact, and the questions to discuss with a provider or accredited representative, then export a preparation packet. Educational preparation only.
Related reading: Sleep Apnea Secondary to PTSD.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VA rating for sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is rated under Diagnostic Code 6847 at 0, 30, 50, or 100 percent. A diagnosis with no symptoms is 0 percent, persistent daytime sleepiness is 30 percent, requiring a CPAP or breathing device is 50 percent, and chronic respiratory failure or a tracheostomy is 100 percent.
Why does a CPAP equal a 50 percent rating?
Under the rating criteria, needing a breathing assistance device such as a CPAP to treat sleep apnea corresponds to the 50 percent level. A prescription and compliance record for the CPAP are key evidence.
Can I claim sleep apnea secondary to PTSD?
Yes. Sleep apnea is commonly claimed as secondary to PTSD or to other service-connected conditions. You need a current diagnosis and a medical opinion linking the sleep apnea to the primary condition.
Do I need a sleep study for a sleep apnea claim?
Generally yes. VA looks for a sleep study (polysomnography) confirming the diagnosis. Without a confirmed diagnosis, the claim is difficult to grant.
VetClaimsGuide is an independent educational platform and self-help resource. It is not a law firm, not a VSO, not VA-accredited representation, and is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. It does not file or prepare claims for veterans, represent veterans, or provide legal or medical advice, and it does not diagnose conditions or guarantee any rating, payment, or outcome. It helps veterans organize information, understand possible evidence gaps, and prepare questions to discuss with a VSO, accredited representative, attorney, or medical provider. Confirm everything at VA.gov or with an accredited professional.